Month: April 2017

There are so many exceptional parks and recreation areas in the Tri Valley but the Val Vista Park in the town of Pleasanton California is an oasis for parents wanting to spend the day with the kids. A place to play sports, enjoy the snack bar and nature trails to take in the fresh air and unwind. It is the ultimate activity day where Pleasanton and East Bay children can play for hours to their hearts content.

There are two play areas within the park. There is also a large picnic area where families can gather and have lunch on any afternoon during the week. There are soccer fields here, a giant skateboard park, roller hockey rink and a climbing wall for the more adventurous.

Val Vista Park also has a nature trail walk and don’t forget to bring your swimwear to experience either one of its two water sports areas. There are three play structures to keep kids occupied all day and those coming from all around East Bay will be pleasantly surprised to learn there is plenty of parking around the park.

The approach to the park is down Stoneridge Drive where you will notice the roller hockey rink, several soccer fields and a skateboard park. These are just a taster of things to do within the park. Once you have parked, you will notice the two huge play structures, a big area for families enjoying a picnic and a water feature to take your selfies at.

The play structures are for kids of all ages. There are tiny tot swings, four slides for larger children and a small water feature boat. There is also one huge play structure for kids and juniors up to the age of 12, a main playing structure that has so many different ways of climbing up that children will be spending most of their day on this, and six different slides to accommodate all the kids. There is also a safe high bridge and plenty of wheels to spin on or just hang onto.

The play areas are a haven for the kids and there are areas specifically designed for smaller children (aged two to five). This wonderful park has a snack bar area and bathroom facilities and a lovely little stream running through the nature trail walking area.

If you are ever at a loss of what to do with your family one afternoon in the Tri Valley, you should bring them here to the Val Vista Park. It is what childhood memories are made of and makes for a complete day out.

Dublin has one of the finest farmers’ markets in the entire state of California. And as of April 13th it’s back in its usual home too. Emerald Glen Park is the setting for the farmers’ market event and it could not be a finer place to hold the market, which runs right through the summer months until September 21st. The Emerald Glen Park is like walking in to a small part of the Emerald Isle itself. The green, green grass and trees give the visitor a small feel like you could be in Ireland.

The Dublin Farmers’ Market is for everyone. Even you can set up a booth by filling out an online form or simply by sponsoring a stall at the market to promote your services or goods. There are a number of weekly special events which take place through the summer at the farmers’ market and this year you can see musicians regularly performing while you stroll through the stalls and check out the newest unique items and freshest produce.

There will be beer tasting events, wine tasting and cooking demonstrations that will give you some great ideas for entertaining. The emphasis will occasionally center on the fun and competitive element, so you can cheer on their favorites. How fast can your partner cook and deliver an omelette? Will your friend be able to create a tasty burger in a quicker time than a competitor? It’s all good fun at the Dublin Farmers’ Market.

Pleasanton Farmers’ Market:

Unlike the Dublin Farmers’ Market, which is only open from April through to September, the market in Pleasanton is open all year long. Whether rain or shine, it’s always open every Saturday.

It sells fresh vegetables, delicious fruits and delicacies all grown in the lush California orchards and fields so close to home. You can buy delicious healthy blueberries by the pint; imagine sprinkling them on your morning cereal for breakfast to ensure a delicious treat and one that is considered superfood healthy too.

The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market also specialises in olive oils, delightful cheeses, ground or root vegetables, pastries, sausages, baked breads, chicken and you will always be entertained by live musicians performing as you browse the stalls and organic groceries on Angela Street.

So be sure to get out to the markets and support your local hard working vendors, and save time by picking up those items you need for the upcoming week’s dinners.